Graduate Applicants

Tuition & Funding

Religious Studies MA

Our MA degree is 45 credits and can be completed in two academic years. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is $1,718 per credit. Admitted students receive a merit scholarship covering 54% of tuition, meaning that after scholarships, students pay an average of $17,781 in tuition annually.

Religious Studies Certificate

Our Certificate is 24 credits and can be completed in one academic year. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is $1,718 per credit. Admitted students receive a merit scholarship covering 54% of tuition, meaning that after scholarships, students pay an average of $18,967 in tuition annually.

World Religions Certificate

Our Certificate is 16 credits and can be completed in one academic year. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is $1,718 per credit. Admitted students receive a merit scholarship covering 54% of tuition, meaning that after scholarships, students pay an average of $12,645 in tuition annually.

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Admission Requirements & Deadlines

• Religious Studies MA

  Deadlines

  Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

  • Priority deadline: January 31, 2025
  • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2025
  • International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

  Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

  • Final submission deadline: December 9, 2025
  • International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

  Spring 2026 quarter (beginning in March)

  • Final submission deadline: March 10, 2026
  • International submission deadline: December 8, 2025

  Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

  Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

  Degrees and GPA Requirements

  Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

  Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

  Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  Prerequisites

  Appropriate undergraduate background in relevant arts, humanities or social science disciplines. Generally, some prior coursework in the academic study of religion is expected.

• Religious Studies Certificate

  Deadlines

  Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

  • Priority deadline: January 31, 2025
  • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2025
  • International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

  Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

  • Final submission deadline: December 9, 2025
  • International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

  Spring 2026 quarter (beginning in March)

  • Final submission deadline: March 10, 2026
  • International submission deadline: December 8, 2025

  Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

  Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

  Degrees and GPA Requirements

  Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

  Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

  Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  Prerequisites

  Generally, some prior coursework in the academic study of religion is expected.

• World Religions Certificate

  Deadlines

  Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

  • Priority deadline: January 31, 2025
  • Final submission deadline: July 15, 2025
  • International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

  Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

  • Final submission deadline: December 9, 2025
  • International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

  Spring 2026 quarter (beginning in March)

  • Final submission deadline: March 10, 2026
  • International submission deadline: December 8, 2025

  Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

  Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

  Degrees and GPA Requirements

  Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

  Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.

  Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

• Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers and International Applicants

  Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

  Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

  The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

  • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
  • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
  • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
  • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

  English Conditional Acceptance Offered: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission.

  • Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.
  • Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

  Additional Standards for International Applicants

  Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

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Application Materials

• Religious Studies MA

  Your application will need to include the following materials:

  • Transcripts
  • Standardized Test Scores (Optional)
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Required Essays and Statements
  • Writing Sample
     

  See below for details.

  Transcripts

  We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

  Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

  Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

  Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

  GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials.
  
  If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.

  University Standardized Test Policy

  Letters of Recommendation

  Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.  Letters should demonstrate your academic ability and promise for graduate studies.

  Essays and Statements

  Personal Statement Instructions

  A personal statement that describes your interest in religious studies and your career goals is required. That statement, of at least 300 words, must include relevant information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests and specific purpose for applying to the University of Denver. It must also include which of our five areas of specialization you would likely select, why, and which faculty you hope to work with. If your academic background is not in religious studies or a relevant humanities or social science field, please explain your preparation for study at the MA level.

  Writing Sample

  An academic writing sample of 5–10 pages is required. Applicants may submit all or part of a paper previously submitted for a course, or may submit another piece of written work. If submitting a section of a longer paper, please provide a brief (one paragraph) abstract (summary) of the larger work from which the excerpt is taken.

• Religious Studies Certificate

  Your application will need to include the following materials:

  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Required Essays and Statements
  • Writing Sample
     

  See below for details.

  Transcripts

  We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

  Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

  Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

  Letters of Recommendation

  One (1) letter of recommendation is required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

  Essays and Statements

  Personal Statement Instructions

  A personal statement that describes your interest in religious studies and your career goals is required. The statement, of at least 300 words, should include information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests and specific purpose for applying to the University of Denver.

  Writing Sample

  An academic writing sample of 3–10 pages is required. Applicants may submit all or part of a paper previously submitted for a course, or may submit another piece of written work. If submitting a section of a longer paper, please provide a brief (one paragraph) abstract (summary) of the larger work from which the excerpt is taken.

• World Religions Certificate

  Your application will need to include the following materials:

  • Transcripts
  • Required Essays and Statements

  See below for details.

  Transcripts

  We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

  Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

  Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

  Essays and Statements

  Personal Statement Instructions

  A 250-300 word personal statement describing your interest in the specialized certificate program and what you hope to learn is required.

• Application Fee

  Application Fee

  Application Fee: $65.00

  Fee Waivers

  MA/Certificate Programs

  • Colorado Residents: Application fee waivers are available to Colorado residents who apply to MA or certificate programs in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences prior to the priority deadline.
  • Limited numbers of MA/Certificate application fee waivers are also available for the following groups (first-come, first-served):
    • Americorps, City Year, and Peace Corps Alumni
    • Veterans
    • DU Alumni
       

  
  Fee Waiver Process

  1. Submit all of your application materials, including your transcripts and letters of recommendation. Do not pay the fee.
  2. Contact cahssgradinquiry@du.edu to request a fee waiver.
  3. You will receive a notification when your fee waiver has been applied to your account. Once the fee waiver is applied we will review your application.
      

  International Degree Evaluation Fee

  International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00

  Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States. Fees for degree evaluation are not waived.

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